Andy: Juan to Make Calls 'As I Stand Here Now'
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Andy: Juan to Make Calls 'As I Stand Here Now'
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Eagles coach Andy Reid confronted a host of questions at his day-after news conference, in the aftermath of the Eagles' meltdown against the Lions, in which the Birds blew a 10-point lead in the final five minutes of regulation.
Reid spoke of doing a comprehensive evaluation during the bye week. Asked specifically if defensive coordinator Juan Castillo would continue to make the defensive calls in games, Reid said he would "as I'm standing here right now." That seemed less than a ringing endorsement.
Reid spoke of wanting to "tear things apart" during the bye week. He noted that there is "a lot of season ahead" for his 3-3 team. "I still believe we have a good football team," he said.
Though he expressed only lukewarm support for Castillo, the offensive line coach turned defensive coordinator, Reid vigorously disputed corner Nnamdi Asomugha's postgame contention that the Eagles changed their coverage scheme and blitzed more in the fourth quarter, after keeping the Lions in check for three quarters.
Reid did acknowledge that when the Lions flexed tight end Tony Scheffler wide, the Eagles went to dime coverage, with corner Brandon Hughes on Scheffler. That was the setup on the 57-yard broken-play reception that got the Lions back in the game, four snaps after Jeremy Maclin gave the Eagles a 23-13 lead.
Reid also scrutinized the offense's confused, horrendous start.
"We started poor. I mean poor," said Reid, who noted that the Eagles lead the NFL with 17 turnovers following two picks and a fumble against Detroit. He called that figure "ridiculous."
Reid reserved the word "pathetic" for the Eagles' final two drives, the last drive in regulation and the overtime disaster that set up the Lions' winning field goal. The Eagles had scored on their first four possessions of the second half, a touchdown and three field goals, before not scoring on their final possession of regulation, and going backward 21 yards on their only possession of OT.
On a similar but separate note...Babin said they have a great defensive line...what??? No sacks in three games...they are a horrible defensive line and I blame him in large part. That fool was talking about running with the bulls in off season and was clearly not focused and it shows— Friend to All- Ahh yes, was just waiting for the Babin comment. I'm not going to blame the entire DL production on just him, but he is definitely not helping matters ANY this season. This team will enter full on SKISM mode when SHTF in ATL in 2 weeks. Vick will not solve his turnover problems and throw at least 1 pick to Asante, the DL will continue the sack drought, although they may get one or two, the Superstar RB will see the ball less than he did against the Lions, and of course Izel "Toast" Jenk... I mean Nnamdi will get burned at least once by Mr Jones and Mr White. The full monty of AR blunders will be on display with poor clock management, costly challenges, and a gameplan that plays right into the opponents strengths. I predict a nice little Falcons blow out of the Eagles to the tune of 34-9. Mike Vick gets his first remark in the media about possible changes coming to any and ALL positions, more players on defense will point fingers at the next man, Celek will still celebrate first downs, even when we are down by 21 points in the 4th quarter, and the media will have a field day, with advertisers running crazy to get some add space as the news columns are sure to draw 200+ comments in the aftermath. Get ready Eagles fans. This is truly about to get interesting. — papabear702
- I predict about the same humiliation vis a vis the Falcons. As I've posted previously, it would take a miracle on the order of divine intervention to cause the Eagles to suddenly develop the skill and talent to become competitive with teams on the level of the Falcons, Giants, Saints, and yes, even the Redskins are looking potent. The Eagles were lucky to have caught the Giants early and now they seem to be reaching their stride. RGIII has made the Redskins much better by leaps and bounds. The Saints started slow but by the time the Eagles play them, they'll be at the point where they'll no longer be as vulnerable as they were initially.
The problem, the SOLE problem, with the Eagles lie in Reid's stubbornness, his inability to adapt, or just , psychologically, chronic obsessive-compulsive disorder. Now, I'm no psychologist but as a former U.S.Army Clinical Specialist (LPN equivalent) I've had some exposure to those suffering from similar afflictions. Of course, I jest with the OCD description but Reid DOES have a problem with letting go and DOES have a rigid propensity for repetition which, I'm sure, most of us find....strange as the human animal has been proven to be able to adapt to most changing situations . Which is what separates us from other species. Whatever the reason, it ain't working for the team or it's fans.— essell - I don't how Nick Foles can help. A rookie QB behind that offensive line would get smoked. I agree with the issues about the DC though— missurichie
- Most of the those posting are in denial. Sunday against Detroit should have driven home the primary problem. The Detroit D Line mauled the Eagles Offensive Line. The O Line was shown to be chumps who lack heart and constantly got their lunch money taken in the school yard. Herrenman, Bell and Watkins were physically abused as they are most weeks leading to Vick getting creamed all day. — Dexter
- Hey Papabear702...go back to bed!— MRD
- CLASSIC... Look, click on my name and read my timeline. In the off season, preseason, I was all for Vick. Even the first couple of games, I was riding with him. But as I said, really ask yourself, how many turnovers is too many? There's plenty of blame to hand to the defense and special "ED" teams. But you can't really start putting blame on ANYONES plate if your Reid, if you have a QB who hasn't even gotten a nasty look after ALL THESE TURNOVERS. How can Reid demand so much more from everyone else, when he won't even think about benching Vick. If nothing, to let him get his cage unrattled. Let him see how this offense should be executing. YOU CAN'T BLAME THE D FOR FOLDING IN THE END, WHEN WE HAD THE BALL WITH 4 MINUTES LEFT ON THE CLOCK. THAT'S ONLY 2 FIRST DOWNS!!! — papabear702
- We've seen this before. This is what a team looks like as it slides toward irrelevance in the NFL. This team could and maybe should be 1 - 5. It is in shambles and it needs to be gutted. This is what happens without leadership on the sidelines or under center.— jgalt52
- I posted before that, except for the phantom Offensive PI call at the end of the Ravens game and Giants fluke missed field goal, the Eagles are 1-5. Add in the missed easy INT in the endzone at the end of the Browns game and we're looking at 0 - 6!! Yeah, that sounds just about right for this team! Better lucky than good only lasts so long in this league! — gdibig
- Get rid of both of them! and they can take Vick with them!— lost eagle
- Babin is focused; he's just not talented. One trick ponies don't last long in he NFL.— JBinPA
- Hmmm, interesting take. The Eagles do have other starting talent at the DE positions. Do you think maybe this could be one of AR's "evaluations"?
- Times yours Jeffrey!— JBP
- The EAGLES and their coaching staff lack the "Killer" instinct. They do not know how to finish games.— A. Martinez
- FetchDixon - I hope they listen to you and do all of that... I don't know what the rest of the season will be for the Eagles if they don't have your support! In case they continue on as they are, PLEASE reconsider!!!— macd41144
